Film & Photography at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,696/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your strong earnings performance reflects the immense value of attending a prestigious program like UCLA's Film/Video and Photographic Arts, directly within the global epicenter of entertainment. This unparalleled location provides a direct pipeline to internships, mentors, and entry-level roles at major studios, independent production companies, and post-production houses, giving you a significant head start over graduates from programs elsewhere. Many graduates quickly find work as production assistants, assistant editors, or begin building their own independent projects, leveraging the vast alumni network. The "high AI risk" score isn't a deterrent, but a signal: AI is rapidly transforming tasks like editing, effects, and even script analysis. To truly thrive, focus on developing a distinctive creative vision, mastering emerging technologies, and actively building your professional network from day one. This proactive approach will be your strongest asset in navigating an evolving industry.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Film & Photography graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $646K $630K $567K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.5x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,082
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,565
124% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

Top Career Paths

Producers and directors $83,480/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Film & Photography at Other Schools

Compare Film & Photography

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Los Angeles's Film & Photography program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Film & Photography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Film & Photography to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Film & Photography careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of California-Los Angeles rank so high for Film & Photography?
The #4 ranking out of 140 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →